30 Day Challenge - COMPLETE

1. Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred - I did pretty good with this. Honestly, I'm just not a fan of circuit training or workout videos. But I need to work on this, so it will probably play a role in my next challenge. Its an excellent program, though.

2. Spend 15 minutes a day in devotional time - I rocked this part! I feel better about life most days than I have before. I am happy, settled, and content.

3. Running 3 to 4 days a week according to my training plan - I have made some awesome progress with my running. I need to look at the big picture and see how far I have come instead of how far I want to go. The most important thing is that I am doing it. A bad run is still better than no run.

4. Eating healthy - we have been doing pretty good with this. I still count my calories using myfitnesspal.com and I've been coming in under 9 days out of 10. I've discovered our biggest challenge is when we're travelling or eating out. But that is another thing to work on!

Results

Down 4 lbs and feeling so much better!

Can't wait to start my next challenge.

Day 29

Tomorrow morning is the 30th Day of my 30 Day Challenge. I can't wait to see what the big results are! I guess its time to find another challenge. I will search and start this new challenge on the 20th.

Day 11 of the 30 Day Challenge

This morning I started early. I was fortunate enough to have my Dad here visiting, so I got up with Steven and ran while at 6:15. It was really peaceful. The weather was nice, I passed several other runners, and heard Reveille halfway through my run. I ran 3k (a little less than 2 miles) in 22:17. Averaging a 7:15 kilometer, putting me right on the money for a 35 minute 5k in 10 days.

Day 9 of the Challenge

Today I splurged a bit at lunch, there's a nice back story, but I think I countered enough of it by my 2 mile run tonight. In 24 minutes. With a new mile personal best of 11:05. :)

Back Story
My friend (and Pampered Chef consultant) from Germany, has a friend who had to be moved to Bethesda from Germany due to pregnancy complications. She had to move so quickly and by a certain date, that her husband and young son were not able to come with her. They will be here soon, though! She is going CRAZY alone and cooped up in the hotel, so we went to lunch.

Tomorrow is Day 10. Weigh in day! I'm hoping to report a few pounds lost, but I'm even more excited that I get to buy a new book on the Kindle!

Day 8

I hit the spin bike today for 4 miles. Trying to get my endurance up for my long run this weekend without putting additional strain on my hips an shins. Felt good, but its so boring working out on machines. I much prefer to be outside. But, today was a good day. Two more days until my first weigh in and my first reward. Hoping this goes well so I can hit my first goal soon!

Day 5

I did manage to squeeze the 30 Day Shred workout into my very busy Friday.
Hoping for a nice long run this weekend and some big results on Monday morning!

Day 4

And still going strong! Today I had to wake the kids up at 8am! I had about an hour all to myself out on the porch with my coffee this morning. Then the kids and I picked up Declan's friend Cameron and went to the library. The boys had so much fun picking out their own books! This will definitely become a regular event!

Today was a run day and it was fantastic! I ran an 11 minute mile. That is a new best time, and it was the longest I have run at one time since I started running. I then walked for about 4 minutes and ran another 8 minutes. I did just shy of 2 miles in 22 minutes and I am very happy with that.

Tomorrow is a shred day, Saturday a long run, and Sunday will be yoga. I cannot wait to complete week 1.

30 Day Challenge - Day 3

First things first, I'm going to revise the challenge. I know, its only Day 3, but let's be realistic. I am not going to be able to maintain doing a 2+ mile run and a 30 minute circuit training workout on the same day, 3 times a week. Not at this point. Anyway, new plan:

30 Day Shred - 3 times per week
Running Training - 3 times per week
Yoga Meltdown - Sundays

Day 3
Was quite successful. I got up before the kids, had the house picked up and enjoyed my first cup of coffee outside on our front porch. Declan then joined me for his "coffee" and said, "Its really nice out here, Mom." I think we just added something to our morning routine. I ate really well today and we were able to join good friends of ours for dinner.

DH joined me in my workout tonight, we did Level 2 of the 30 Day Shred. It made me feel so much better to see him sweating, too!

I'm feeling happy with my progress so far and encouraged enough to keep going! Tomorrow is a run day, and I'm actually looking forward to it!

Day 1

Today was easy, as the first day usually is. My legs were really feeling the workout about halfway through 30 Day Shred, but that is when they start getting stronger, at least according to Jillian Michaels! I missed out on a nice walk with the girls due to my kids missing out on nap time, but that's how life goes sometimes.

Tomorrow will be a harder day, as its a run day and Day 2 of The Shred. Depending on how early the kids get up, we may be out running before we start our daily errands.

30 Day Challenge - The Plan

After running another 5k yesterday, I am starting to see the changes my body is making and I'm liking it! I'm starting a 30 day challenge today to improve my quality of life and keep the momentum going.

1. Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred - 20 minutes a day, totally doable. A few friends are joining me, so we can keep each other motivated. Each level is for 10 days. I've incorporated a reward system when I hit the next level. When I hit Level 2 on the 26th, if I have not missed a day, I will treat myself to a new book for my Kindle. Reaching Level 3 on the 5th of June will gain me a new workout shirt or shorts. Completing the entire 30 days will earn me a shopping trip for a new sundress!

2. Spend 15 minutes a day in devotional time - This can be spent alone, with the kids, with DH, or with friends. Reward - a more fulfilling spiritual life!

3. Running 3 to 4 days a week according to my training plan - Goal is to be completely running 5k by the end. I'd love to do this in 30 minutes, but the priority is running the whole thing.

4. Eating healthy - should be easier with the summer months, more fruits and vegetables, less heavy soups and casseroles.

Check back in as I update my progress!